Kwesi Nyantakyi has shed light on how he came close to succeeding Ahmad Ahmad as the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The former Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss, who ascended to the position of 1st Vice President at CAF, shared insights into the succession dynamics in a recent interview.
Nyantakyi, a respected figure in both football and law, outlined the sequence of events that led to his proximity to the CAF presidency. He disclosed that Ahmad Ahmad had communicated his intention to delve into politics after a four-year tenure as CAF President. Nyantakyi, having played a significant role in bringing Ahmad Ahmad to the helm, was positioned to assume the presidency after Ahmad's exit.
In the interview with Starr Fm, Nyantakyi reflected on the circumstances surrounding his potential elevation, stating, "My group brought in Ahmad Ahmad as CAF President, but he had already planned to venture into politics after four years, so after his exit, I was supposed to take up his seat."
Despite being the senior-most, influential, and powerful figure after Ahmad Ahmad, the succession plan did not materialize. Nyantakyi acknowledged the turn of events with composure, expressing contentment with the outcome. He shared that, despite stepping away from his roles following the #12 expose by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, he has received messages from top officials at CAF expressing their sentiments of missing him.
Looking ahead, Nyantakyi revealed his future plans, stating that he would be venturing into academia soon. This signifies a new chapter in his career, showcasing a diverse range of contributions beyond the football realm.
As Nyantakyi navigates the transitions in his professional journey, his story unfolds as one marked by influential leadership in African football, plans of succession, and an imminent venture into academia.